How to hire a book or screenplay ghost writer

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I've been working on a screenplay on and off, almost entirely off, for over 20 years. I will never finish it. And it would need to be completely redone anyway if I somehow did get it done.

Anyone have experience with hiring a ghost writer either for a book or a screenplay?

How does intellectual property work in this regard?

[1990C4S]

I think you would need a contract that specifies you are the owner of all IP and work product resulting from their employment.

This should be a fairly standard (i.e. cheap legal advice) clause (and a standard contract).

[Jeff Higgins]

I've used one here for years.

[Cdnone1]

Reach out to Jack Olsen

[Dixie]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

Anyone have experience with hiring a ghost writer either for a book or a screenplay?

I'll be happy to ghost write your screen play Shaun. You'll be assured knowing I have much in common with famous writers like John Grisham, Flannery O'Conner, and even Faulkner. Yes, we were all born in the South. If you need further reassurance, please remember my moto, "Dixie Ghost Writing. Amature work. Professional prices."

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Thank you gentlemen and Dixie, you are a riot!

[3rd_gear_Ted]

Chat GPT is your friend.
Plug in your screenplay and ask for feedback from any perspective.

[pwd72s]

Contact Jack Olsen?

[911boost]

I know a guy that might be able to help you, shoot me a text or PM. He is a play/screen writer as his hobby and I can hook you up. Maybe you can at least bounce ideas off him?

[ckissick]

Writing a script is the easy part. How do you plan to sell it? I've written a couple of scripts and books but have never been able to get anyone, agent or otherwise, to even respond to any of my dozens of query letters.

I suppose I could give a shot, if I like the concept. Send me a PM explaining the plot, etc. I write real good!

[Paul_Heery]

Originally Posted by 1990C4S

I think you would need a contract that specifies you are the owner of all IP and work product resulting from their employment.

This should be a fairly standard (i.e. cheap legal advice) clause (and a standard contract).

^^ THIS ^^

I am going through this right now after I had been approached by a producer regarding one of my works. From my experience, a couple of things that you should be aware of.

You don't need to copyright your original work as long as it exists in a tangible medium (on paper or disk) which establishes your copyright. But it is worth it to register your work with the U.S. Copyright Office to obtain copyright protection. Registering your work can provide additional legal benefits, such as the ability to bring an infringement claim in federal court if it is ever necessary.

Any agreement with a producer and/or screenwriter NEEDS to include that their work is a derivaitive of your original. That establishes that without your original work, any screenplay, movie, TV show, book, etc. would never exist.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by 911boost

I know a guy that might be able to help you, shoot me a text or PM. He is a play/screen writer as his hobby and I can hook you up. Maybe you can at least bounce ideas off him?

Sent a text, thanks!

Originally Posted by ckissick

Writing a script is the easy part. How do you plan to sell it? I've written a couple of scripts and books but have never been able to get anyone, agent or otherwise, to even respond to any of my dozens of query letters.

I suppose I could give a shot, if I like the concept. Send me a PM explaining the plot, etc. I write real good!

I haven't quite gotten that far. In my conceit, the story is extraordinary. But the world works on who you know vs. what you know, or have in this instance.

Thank you for the offer Charlie but one bit of advice I've gotten from an attorney friend is to keep it close to my vest. At least for now. I can say it's a story about divinity.

If there's any good news for me, if I had been able to finish it 20 years ago, or 10, maybe 5, it would have been before it's time. Now is more the right time.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by Paul_Heery

^^ THIS ^^

I am going through this right now after I had been approached by a producer regarding one of my works. From my experience, a couple of things that you should be aware of.

You don't need to copyright your original work as long as it exists in a tangible medium (on paper or disk) which establishes your copyright. But it is worth it to register your work with the U.S. Copyright Office to obtain copyright protection. Registering your work can provide additional legal benefits, such as the ability to bring an infringement claim in federal court if it is ever necessary.

Any agreement with a producer and/or screenwriter NEEDS to include that their work is a derivaitive of your original. That establishes that without your original work, any screenplay, movie, TV show, book, etc. would never exist.

Thank you Paul!

The derivative concept is so important in my instance and I suspect most in this situation. The story is laid out from start to finish but there are some parts that need more development. But the foundation is so unique, what I have down now, that it is singularly unique, which is of course redundant, hence needing a ghost writer, that I feel I am in good shape in terms of a writer's work being derivative.

[LWJ]

I have a close friend that is a ridiculously talented writer / editor. Someone like this may be what you really need.

I completely understand the "close to your chest" strategy. You may be closer than you think.

Perhaps write a non-disclosure with someone and simply have them craft an executive summary.

Whatever you write will be re-done a couple of times after you sell it. I wouldn't put much effort into anything other than a 10,000 foot summary. But, you do need to protect your concept from theft.

[Zeke]

Screenwriters in L.A. are begging for work. You just need to access them. I won't suggest Fiver for that. Jack may know someone, but when working they make serious money.

You better take Dixie up.

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by ckissick

Writing a script is the easy part. How do you plan to sell it? I've written a couple of scripts and books but have never been able to get anyone, agent or otherwise, to even respond to any of my dozens of query letters.

Do you know Fred Savage?